February is National Pet Dental Health Month: Tips on How to Improve Your Pet’s Dental Health

February is officially designated as dental health month for our pets.  We all take our pets’ to the vet to check their overall condition, but when is the last time you checked your dog or cat’s teeth?  Proper dental care can help avoid other health risks for our beloved cats and dogs.   And, as always, preventive care is the best care of all.

Below are six ways to check and improve your pet’s dental health.

Take a whiff of your dog or cat's breath

As appealing as that sounds, just get a quick sniff of your dog or cat’s breath (preferably not right after eating something stinky!).  Your pet’s breath shouldn’t be offensive or have an abnormally strong odor (doesn’t have to smell like roses either).  If it does reek, your dog or cat could have a digestive problem or a gum condition such as gingivitis and should be taken to your vet for a thorough exam.

Look out for tooth decay (discoloring) in your dog or cat

Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause a buildup your dog or cat’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss.  If your dog or cat’s teeth are discolored, it’s time to start a brushing program with a toothpaste to ward off decay.

Examine your dog or cat's gums (carefully)

If you want to look at your dog or cat’s gums, make sure he or she is facing you and then gently push back his or her lips and take a look. Your pets’ gums should be firm and pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling.  Their teeth should be clean and free of any brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken obviously (they should look just like human gums)!

Peruse your dog or cat's mouth for anything unusual

If you see any of the following, there could be a bigger dental issue in your cat or dog’s mouth and you should take your pet to the vet: dark red line along the gums, loose teeth, pus or extreme salivation, difficulty chewing food, excessive drooling and/or excessive pawing at the mouth area

Learn how to brush your cat's or dog's teeth (if you don't do it already).

While most pets don’t love it, it’s important to brush your dog or cat’s teeth.  You’ll need a small toothbrush and a type of toothpaste formulated for dogs or cats.  You can also use salt and water. It really isn’t that different from brushing your own teeth and can be done quickly once you get the hang of it.

Buy chew toys for your dog or cat to strengthen their teeth.

Chew toys are great for your cats and especially dogs for so many reasons.  It keeps your pets’ occupied and can also make their teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help floss your pet’s teeth, massage their gums and scrape away soft tartar.

Make sure to take the time to check your dog or cat’s mouth regularly for any issues that might occur and try to implement brushing their teeth in your routine.  If you see anything out of the ordinary, make sure to schedule and appoint with your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

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Want a Pet? Living on a Budget? Tips on How You Can Do it…Without Burning a Hole in Your Pockets

There are few things cuter than a puppy or kitten, but for those seeking a new pet without giving an arm and a leg might want to consider adopting from a shelter.

Read on for some tips on how to welcome a four-legged friend into your home without burning a hole in your pockets.

Q: How can I save on food, toys and supplies?

Buying pet food in bulk is a good way to save over time, but you'll want to make sure you're buying quality.

"Food isn't an area you want to skimp on," Scott Giacoppo of the Washington Humane Society said. "I wouldn't recommend buying the cheapest food the same way I wouldn't recommend someone to serve Oreos at their Sunday dinner."

Giacoppo said your vet or employees at pet supply stores like Pro Feed, Petco or PetSmart should be able to recommend food and other supplies for your pet.

Also, remember that you don't need to buy everything for your pet all at once. You might be able to start out with just bowls, food, a collar and a few toys, and then learn more about your pet to determine what else he or she needs. Of course, a dog will need a leash, and a cat will need a litter box, but you don't need to spring for top-of-the-line models.

Sign up for deals websites such as Groupon, which often have deals on pet supplies and services -- just make sure you actually need the item; otherwise, you won't be saving money at all.

Also, search pet retailer websites for coupons or special discounts. For instance, Petco.com offers 20 percent off for signing up to receive emails, and free shipping for orders of $49 or more.

Learn how to perform basic pet grooming skills yourself, such as nail clipping, to save on grooming fees. If you're able to, bathe your dog yourself in your bathtub or outside in the yard. If you can't, consider visiting a DIY dog-washing business, where you can use their shampoos and professional-grade tubs for about $20 -- still cheaper than paying for professional grooming.

Q: What are some preventative tactics I can take to avoid mishaps and large vet bills?

One way to cut costs before you ever see the vet is to adopt from a shelter, because "when you adopt, the animals are sterilized, they're up to date on vaccinations and they've been house trained," Giacoppo said.

If you buy a puppy or kitten from a breeder, you'll pay for these costs out of pocket. Sure, they're cute, but they can end up much pricier in the long run than adopting an older dog -- and by adopting from a shelter, you'll actually be saving two lives, not one (here's why).

The Washington Humane Society also provides one year of pet health insurance and low-cost spaying and neutering if your new buddy hasn't been altered already ($130 for dogs, $80 for cats).

Make sure to "pet-proof" your home so that any hazards or harmless substances are kept out of your new pet's reach. And remember that what's safe for humans might not be safe for dogs or cats. (See the Pet Poison Hotline's list here.) 

Q: Which breeds of dogs/cats tend to be cheaper to care for?

Generally, smaller ones. The cost of care for cats and dogs doesn't vary much based on breed (unless you have a breed that requires extensive professional grooming), but smaller animals simply tend to consume less food than larger animals. Same goes for items like toys, treats and beds -- larger ones usually cost more.

However, the best way to reduce costs is to take care of your pet well, both physically and psychologically. Giacoppo says Parvo, for example, is a life-threatening disease that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, but can be avoided for a small price.

"Take a Saturday once a year, wait in line for an hour and pay $10 for a shot that can save your pet's life," he said. The Washington Humane Society offers low-cost vaccinations Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Also, be sure that your pet has a social life and gets plenty of exercise. Leaving pets tied up or left alone leads to psychological problems and boredom, which can cause behavioral problems, damage to your home or property, and ultimately physical problems that need treatment.

Q: Where can I find affordable pet insurance (and is it worth it)?

Pet insurance can be tricky because there are a few different kinds, and it's not necessarily about what injuries or illnesses your pet could endure, as dog owner Sarah Kliff noted in a recent Vox article. Kliff pays $40 to $50 a month for pet insurance and says the real question is actualll "How much are you willing to pay to spend to save your pet’s life?"

For her, it would be a lot. "If I got a very large bill, I would likely pay it," Kliff wrote. "I would pay bills big enough to make it difficult for me to put a down payment on a house."

To sum it up, you might pay a premium for pet insurance that you never use to make a claim. But a few $400 trips to the vet or an unfortunate $3,000 surgery to remove your pet's favorite toy from its stomach could eventually surpass the price you paid for the insurance. Kliff also points out that many people pay renters' insurance and never file a claim, but the peace of mind can be worth it.

The website PolicyGenius advises people on which types of insurance they should buy, advising some pet owners not to invest in insurance at all.

Kliff writes that Jennifer Fitzgerald, the co-founder of the site, said the right consumer for pet insurance has "low ability to pay (to save their pet's life) but high willingness," so it's not for everyone.

Alternative options include pet wellness plans. For instance, PetSmart's Banfield Pet Hospital chain offers a wellness plan with a focus on prevention and early diagnosis, with potentially lower costs than traditional pet care services. Plans include a set number of wellness visits per year, may cover the cost of shots and offer discounts on other forms of care.

Q: If I need to travel, should I take my pet, hire a sitter or board at a kennel?

It depends. The cost of a travel crate can range from $30 to $100, and overnight care can be costly, too. Your best bet: Find friends or family member willing to do watch your pets. Or, get to know a pet-owning neighbor and offer to trade pet care: You'll watch their dog or cat for a weekend if they'll do the same for you another weekend.

If you're thinking of boarding your pet, check business reviews on a site such as Yelp. If you find several well-reviewed spots, call around to get the best rate. And don't be afraid to ask about any special deals: Will they give you a discount if you pick up your pet before a certain time, for example?

If you hire someone to watch your pet at home, beware of an apparent "bargain." Giacoppo said it's best to use a referral.

"You don't wanna hire someone who says they will just come over for five dollars," he said. "You have no idea how they will treat your pet."

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The Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League Merger: Message from Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of the First End-To-End Animal Care Organization in a Major U.S. City

From: Lisa LaFontaine

Washington is a city where history is made, and today it was made for the animals. Two iconic Washington-based animal welfare and protection organizations - the Washington Animal Rescue League and the Washington Humane Society - have announced a merger. 

The fact that I have the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of this united, strong organization is one of the great privileges of my career. I am grateful to a number of amazing colleagues who have collaborated over the years to make this possible. I cannot wait to work with our amazing team, our volunteers and boards, as well as my colleagues in other organizations, to move forward toward a day when all animals, in DC and beyond, are celebrated and treated with love and kindness.

To learn more about this merger, click here: Great News! The Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League: Merging Together to Create the First End-To-End Animal Care Organization in a MajorU.S. City

  

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Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League: We’re still Glowing from Today’s Historic Announcement, Marking Our Merger

We’re still glowing from today’s historic announcement, marking the merger of Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League.

At the end of today’s press conference, a ceremonial transfer featuring Daisy, a four-month-old pit mix puppy with a broken leg, arriving with WHS Humane Law Enforcement Officers to be admitted to WARL’s Medical Center. Daisy is a sweetheart and will feel better soon!

To learn more about our merger, click here: Great News! TheWashington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League: Merging Together to Create the First End-To-End Animal Care Organization in a MajorU.S. City.

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Great News! The Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League: Merging Together to Create the First End-To-End Animal Care Organization in a Major U.S. City

A major change for the animals in the metropolitan area!

The Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League today announced a definitive agreement to merge the two organizations to create the first end-to-end animal care organization in a major U.S. city. Founded in 1870 and 1914, respectively, WHS and WARL will bring together a comprehensive set of animal care and protection programs that touch the lives of more than 60,000 animals each year, including: Rescue and Adoption, Humane Law Enforcement, Low Cost Veterinary Services, Animal Control, Behavior and Learning, Spay/Neuter, Pets for Life and many other programs.

To read the official document, click here: WashingtonHumane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue Merger

Washington Humane Society

The WHS Mission

The Washington Humane Society inspires and creates a community where all animals have secure homes and where people and animals live together with joy and compassion.

About WHS

The Washington Humane Society (WHS), the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, the Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to over 51,000 animals annually through its broad range of programs and services including sheltering for homeless animals, a comprehensive adoption program and off-site adoption events to find new families for the animals in our care, low-cost spay and neuter for pet owners and other local organizations, an aggressive TNR (trap-neuter-return) program for feral cats (CatNiPP), investigations of each allegation of animal cruelty or neglect through the Humane Law Enforcement, lost and found services to help reunite lost pets with their families, pet behavioral advice to help resolve issues that lead to animals being relinquished to shelters, working with breed rescue groups to find more homes for more animals, volunteer and foster programs to allow other members of the community to help us help more animals and an award winning Humane Education program that teaches kindness to animals to the next generation of animal lovers.

Website: Washington Humane Society

Washington Animal Rescue League

For more than 100 years, the Washington Animal RescueLeague has rescued, cared for and adopted homeless companion animals in our nation’s capital.  The Washington Animal Rescue League is the oldest  animal shelter in the District of Columbia.  Its mission continues to evolve as conditions change and animals face new and different challenges, but the core of that mission remains unchanged:  to honor and strengthen the human-animal bond by providing the best quality care for homeless dogs and cats, and supporting companion animals in their homes through affordable veterinary care, community outreach, and education.

The Washington Animal Rescue League is known not only for its long history of compassionate care for animals, but for its innovative shelter, which is designed to promote the physical, emotional, and social healing of animals recovering from past traumas, and for the progressive programs that benefit animals and the community.

Website: Washington Animal Rescue League

 

Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of the Washington Humane Society, will become President and CEO of the combined organization.

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When It Comes to Your Pet: Dental Disease is More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue

Dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue — when your canine companion or feline friend has red gums, yellow teeth and stinky breath, it could be a sign of serious oral disease that could, if left untreated, lead to devastating affects on your pet’s quality of life. Neglecting your pet’s teeth and gums can cause chronic pain issues that may even be at the center of certain behavioral problems.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of 3.

But never fear, pet owners — February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so now is the perfect time to call your veterinarian and schedule a dental check up for your furry family members.

“We hope National Pet Dental Health Month in February will draw attention to this serious health issue for pets,” said California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) President Dr. Jeff Smith. “Oral disease can lead to serious consequences for pets, including infection, severe pain and even organ damage. With regular oral health maintenance and check-ups, most of these problems can be avoided.”

Caring for your pet’s pearly whites isn’t just a February thing; veterinarians all across the country want to remind pet owners that their pet’s dental health should be a concern all year long.

“Between regular veterinary examinations, pet owners should look for the warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched,” Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. chief veterinary medical officer Dr. Carol McConnell recommends.

Pets with developing gingivitis and periodontal diseases often paw at their face or mouth frequently, have excessive drool, and may exhibit an unwillingness to eat harder foods.

As with many health issues, prevention is always the best medicine. One way you can take a proactive role in preventing oral disease in your pet is by using an important tool that many pet owners neglect to purchase for their four-legged friends: a toothbrush.

“Unfortunately, only about 1 percent of pet owners brush their pets teeth,” explains Academy of Veterinary Dentistry President Dr. Brook A. Niemic.

A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used to clean your pet’s teeth daily to remove any food particles and prevent the build up of tartar and plaque deposits. Make sure to only use toothpaste that is specially formulated for use on pets.

Overall health begins with a good diet, but did you know that many dental health issues are caused by malnutrition? Work with your veterinarian to address your pet’s nutrition and develop a healthy eating plan. Foods with the Veterinary Oral Health Care (VOHC) seal of approval are highly recommended.

Your veterinarian may recommend a professional teeth cleaning for your dog or cat once or twice a year or as needed. Performing a thorough oral exam can sometimes require the use of general anesthesia. Your veterinarian will use instruments to scale and polish your pet’s teeth, removing tartar and plaque build up that could otherwise lead to dental issues. In cases of serious oral disease, your veterinarian may recommend a tooth extraction. You can also find many dental clinics depending on where you live that offer dental cleanings at a discounted rate like the Smile Specialists in Southern California.

Keeping on top of your pet’s dental health has lasting positive effects — some studies suggest that maintaining oral health can add up to five years to your pet’s life.

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Kitten Dies in Do-It-Yourself Declawing Operation: Two People Charged

When Carmenza Piedrahita wanted to declaw her kitten Toby, Miami-Dade prosecutors say, she didn’t go to a licensed veterinarian.

Instead, she turned to an elderly Miami man who along with another man performed an illegal do-it-yourself declawing of the cat, police said. Toby fell ill. For two weeks, he lingered in pain and dehydration, vomiting a green substance, the exposed bones on his front paws infected and swollen.

Piedrahita finally took Toby to a Miami animal clinic, where he died. Now, prosecutors have formally charged Piedrahita, 54, and Geronimo Gonzalez, 72, with felony animal cruelty.

“She feels terrible about the whole situation,” said Piedrahita’s lawyer, Christian Dunham. “She really wanted the cat. If not, she wouldn’t have taken him to the clinic.”

Piedrahita was formally charged last week and plans to fight the prosecution. Gonzalez pleaded not guilty Wednesday at arraignment in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. His lawyer declined to comment.

“I can’t imagine the pain and suffering this cat endured. Animals suffer in silence,” said Miami-Dade Chief Assistant State Attorney Kathleen Hoague, who is prosecuting the case with Kimberly Archila.

The declawing of cats, while legal when performed by a licensed veterinarian, is frowned upon by many veterinarians and the animal-rights community. It has been banned in some countries.

According to the Humane Society, which opposes declawing, many pet owners falsely believe the operation is akin to trimming nails. In fact, the procedure actually involves amputating the last bone of each toe. “If performed on a human being, declawing would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle,” according to Humane Society literature.

Because of the health risks — some cats end up with limps for life — many vets won’t perform the delicate procedure anymore. That includes Miami’s Silver Bluff Animal Clinic, which encourages cat owners to buy a scratching post or try replaceable soft plastic caps for the nails of the felines.

“We also try to teach owners of kittens to trim their nails,” said Silver Bluff vet Melanie Anderson. “We really try to steer them away from the declawing process.”

As for Toby, he was a stray who at 2 months old was adopted through the county’s animal shelter in July 2014. By the time he was 8 months old, Piedrahita decided to get him declawed.

“I thought it was best for him because he had damaged some furniture,” she wrote in her statement to Miami-Dade police. “I had the best intentions. I wanted to keep him in the house because he was our beloved cat.”

Piedrahita admitted that she did not take Toby directly to a clinic because it was too expensive. In September, while at a party at a ranch in Homestead, Piedrahita met Gonzalez.

According to her statement and to her lawyer, Piedrahita honestly believed he was a vet. “She thought he was legit,” Dunham said. “She definitely wouldn’t have gone to him if she thought he wasn’t a vet.”

But Miami-Dade police say Piedrahita “had full knowledge” that Gonzalez was not licensed.

The elderly man picked up Toby from Piedrahita’s West Kendall home on Sept 28 and took him somewhere in South Miami-Dade. Most of the procedure was actually performed by another man identified only as Jose, according to police report. (He has yet to be charged.)

Exactly what cutting tool was used in the operation is unknown. The operation was done for free, although Piedrahita offered to give Gonzalez $100. He declined.

Gonzalez claimed he only assisted by “holding” the sedated animal and “applying crazy glue” to the paws after they were cut, police said. Piedrahita claimed she took the cat to the clinic four days later, although police believed it was longer — he was brought to the Animal Welfare Society of South Florida on Oct. 9, nearly two weeks after the surgery.

Photos in the court file depicted the gruesome wounds. A vet also noted that the animal was “in severe pain due to exposed bones in both front legs.”

Piedrahita, who has no criminal record, is charged with a third-degree felony and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

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Man Allegedly Pulls Up to Wendy's Drive-Thru Window, Got a Drink from the Employee, and Then Threw a 3-And-A-Half-Foot Alligator into the Window

A worker at a Wendy's drive-thru did when a customer allegedly threw a 3-and-a-half-foot alligator into the window at restaurant in Florida, according to an incident report, WPTV reported.

Joshua James, 23, of Jupiter, allegedly pulled up to the drive-thru window for his order, got a drink from the employee, and then threw the alligator into the restaurant, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told the station.

James is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, illegally killing, possessing or capturing an alligator, and second-degree larceny petit theft, according to the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred at a restaurant east of Loxahatchee, Fla., in October, but James was arrested by U.S. Marshals this week, WPTV reported.

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Have You Seen the Animal Chairs of Maximo Riera?

When you’re designing your dream room, you may find yourself thinking about the one piece of furniture that will really make a statement.

And if making a seriously unforgettable statement is for you, then the animal chairs of Maximo Riera just might be for you. But don’t say we didn’t warn you! These things are intense.

Creating, or even making over, a piece of furniture is a serious project and takes a considerable amount of time, just like this conversion of a century-old sleigh.

And these amazing chairs are no different. Each one is custom-made using cutting-edge technology in a process that can take up to eleven weeks to produce just one.

But take a look at them and you’ll see why. While they might not be the perfect complement to your living room, you have to admit these are pretty fascinating.

Riera’s furniture is certainly not for every home, but there’s something undeniably captivating about it. The pieces are both playful and sinister, celebratory and solemn, and when you look at them, you can’t help but think of humans and their often damaging relationship towards the other animals on Earth. You can see more of Riera’s designs on his website  and Instagram, and if you know someone in the market for a new chair, you can always share this article with them — but you probably shouldn’t expect a giant toad to show up in their living room.

Riera creates these massive chairs that look like the bodies — or at least the partial bodies — of animals.

They are, to say the least, rather strange.

Each piece is manufactured to order, and on average, 480 hours are spent creating just one.

The chairs are made of a high-density polyurethane, which is very durable, and inside, each one has a metal frame for extra support.

What's more, no two are ever alike. The coding that determines their color is unique to each piece, so while the shapes will be the same, the color or color combination never will be.

So...with all this labor involved, why would anyone do this?

For Riera, this series is an homage to nature and the many forms it takes.

Riera took inspiration from each of the animals featured in the collection, using his own feelings about them, as well as cultural associations and scientific information.

Plenty of time and care was spent to create an accurate portrayal of the animals' unique characteristics, shapes, and textures.

They also make us think, uncomfortably, of trophy walls and taxidermy. They make us aware of the way humans that have exploited animals, and how we should be protecting and not damaging our planet.

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Man Saves His Money: Buys an Ambulance to Care for Stray Dogs and Cats in His City

Some people go to great lengths to follow their passion. While this alone is incredible, it is even more amazing when that passion is helping out those in need. Take Balu for example: Balu wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life, but he knew he wanted to help animals. To make his dream come true, he saved up his money for 10 years so that he could buy an ambulance and care for stray dogs and cats in his city.

Since he attained his goal of buying an ambulance, he has saved countless animals with broken legs, wounds, and other injuries obtained from living on the streets. He charges less than $5 to pet guardians and non-profit agencies for transporting and boarding. He is able to earn a little extra by charging 15 cents per mile when taking people’s pets to their vet visits. However, Balu isn’t just an ambulance driver, he also helps to care for sick cats and dogs in his home. When there is no room in the shelter, he takes the animals to his house or a care center so that they are given everything they need until they are adopted.

Balu says that he sometimes gets bullied for taking care of the dogs and cats that others believe should just be euthanized. However, Balu won’t give up on the helpless animals. “I decided that I’m not going to do anything else – whatever I do has to be with animals.”

Balu’s example shows that anyone can be a hero to animals, if you just care enough to help them. Want to help animals in your city? Check out your local shelter for volunteer opportunities. You can also help stray animals by pledging to always adopt, not shop when bringing a four-legged companion into your home.

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Continental Giant Rabbit Looking for His Forever Home: Please Share His Story

This is the monster-sized rabbit who is on the look-out for a loving new home in Scotland.

The continental giant rabbit - appropriately named Atlas - could no longer be taken care of by his former owner.

And staff at the SPCA's centre in Glasgow have taken the seven-month-old in until they can find him a new home.

Anna O'Donnell, the centre's manager, thinks Atlas will be a great pet for any potential owner.

She said: 'Atlas is already about the size of a Westie [west highland terrier] and is still young with some growing to do.

'He is a very friendly rabbit who loves attention and getting cuddles.

'Atlas is also an inquisitive boy who makes everyone laugh with his mischievous character.'

Anna stressed that only experienced owners will be considered for Atlas.

She added: 'We are looking for a specific home for Atlas due to his breed and size. A standard rabbit hutch won't do so his new owner will need plenty of space for him.

'Atlas needs an owner with the knowledge to properly care for him, so ideally someone who has kept a continental giant before.'

If anyone is interested in offering him a home they should give the centre on 03000 999 999.

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15-Inch Monster Rat Burrowed Itself in a Family’s Home Behind Their Kitchen Sink

A Swedish family actually lived what is probably many people’s worst nightmare after they discovered that a 15-inch monster rat had chewed through the wood and cement into their home and burrowed itself behind their kitchen sink.

This “Viking rat” was discovered by the Bengtsson-Korsås family at their Solna home after their cat Enok refused to enter the kitchen. The family already had suspicions that there was a mouse in their home after hearing noises, so when they went to empty the trash bin, they were shocked to find that a monster rat had made itself a home.

“It was right there in our rubbish bin, a mighty monster. I was petrified. I couldn't believe such a big rat could exist,” said Signe Bengtsson-Korsås. “I couldn't help but do the old classic and jump on the kitchen table and scream.”

Signe’s husband Eric said he didn’t believe his wife at first, but when he finally came in contact with the rat himself, he was horrified by how large it was.

“It was quite a shocking experience,” said Eric Bengtsson-Korsås. “By the time I got home, the rat was so domesticated that it just sat under the kitchen table.”

The family quickly realized that the rat had actually came in through the basement, chewed through the wood and cement, and then made its way into the kitchen to chew through the pipes under the sink, ultimately causing a flood in the home.

Exterminators were called to kill the monster rat, and a day after putting three giant rat traps down, one of them went off. Shockingly, the rat wasn’t immediately killed. It ran around with the rat trap around its neck for some time before it eventually died.

"In the end we managed to find it dead, it had slowly strangled," said Eric. "Then we felt a bit sorry for it."

  

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Hermit Crabs Make Adorable Pets: But These Little Packages of Cuteness Are High-Maintenance

Hermit crabs make adorable pets but these little packages of cuteness are high-maintenance and require very exacting care

Hermit crabs are widely believed to be easy to care for, and ideal first pets for children. Neither of these beliefs is true. Unfortunately, hermit crabs are very difficult to keep healthy, and they should be kept in groups. Not only are hermit crabs are not hermit-like at all, they are gregarious partiers who will keep a crab-party going all night.

You’ve probably seen the clear plastic critter-carriers and one-gallon fish tanks where hermit crabs are sometimes displayed. These are not safe homes for hermit crabs. In fact, if the critter-carrier has a standard “berry-basket” top for ventilation, the crab inside is probably already dying a slow and painful death. Hermit crabs breathe air through modified gills. They will drown in water, and they have no lungs. If the gills ever dry out, the animal is in serious trouble. The resulting death by suffocation can take months, but it is inevitable. Therefore, maintaining sufficient humidity in the hermit crab enclosure is very, very important.

This brings us to the topic of equipment.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

This list is a very rudimentary introduction to the equipment needed to keep crabs healthy.

• An aquarium tank, marine terrarium, or large covered enclosure strong enough to contain wet sand. Be sure the cover is tight enough to prevent the crabs from pushing their way out, that some air can get in, and that it keeps moisture inside the tank;

• Water-conditioning fluid, to neutralize chlorine and its by-products in the water;

• Safe sea salt, of the kind sold for marine fish and crustaceans;

• Safe sand, enough to be a few inches (15cm minimum) deep in the tank;

• Water dishes, sea sponges, shallow food dishes, and a slotted scoop to remove uneaten food from the sand;

• Quarantine tank, which is basically the full set-up in miniature, for safe moulting;

• Hidey-huts for the crabs to relax in, during the day;

• Extra shells of the correct sizes and shapes, at least three per crab;

• Thermometers for the sand and hygrometers for the main tank and the quarantine tank;

• Branches and rocks to climb on;

• Moss and extra sea sponges for soaking, to help keep the humidity above 75%; and

• Heater for one end of the tank: most hermit crab species like a temperature of 75-80F/24-27C on the warm end of the tank.

EXERCISE

These cute little crustaceans will keep themselves fit, presuming their tank is big enough. They love to climb, and crawl, and pull. If you are very careful, you can “walk” them across your hands held low over a soft surface. As the crab moves across one hand, bring the other one around in front. To do this, your hands need to be positioned side to side, and not fingertip-to-fingertip. Otherwise, the surface will be too narrow and the tiny crab will become frightened.

FEEDING

Hermit crabs are beachcombing scavengers. As omnivores, they require both meat and plant-matter in their diets. Unfortunately, the commercial crab foods do not make a good diet for hermit crabs. They tend to contain preservatives, but some are safe enough: read the ingredient list. The real problem is that commercial foods are boring. Crabs don’t like to smell the same meal twice in a row. They will be happiest if every meal is a little different: some fish and a touch of apple today, perhaps some chicken and seaweed tomorrow.  (Thacker, 1998).

Wash all fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your crabs, and use de-chlorinated water to do it. Always do everything you can to keep your crabs away from chlorine. Meat can be raw or cooked, or even freeze-dried, but avoid preservatives (including salt).

That’s not to say that everything always needs to be fresh. Stock up on an assortment of jars of baby foods. Keep some freeze-dried daphnia, bloodworms, tubifex, and shrimp on hand from the aquarium section of the pet store. Offer a few pieces of low-salt cat food.

Crabs need calcium. The simplest way to provide it is to drop a couple of cuttlebones onto the floor of the tank. Cuttlebone is sold in the pet-bird section of the pet store.

Unlike many animals, hermit crabs need two kinds of water bowls: one with freshwater and one with salt water. The salt water cannot be made with table salt, because of the iodine in it. Both bowls need to be big enough for the crabs to submerge themselves, and easy to crawl out of so the crabs don’t drown. A piece of sea sponge in each bowl makes a convenient safety raft.

GROOMING

The hermit crab tank needs to contain a conditioned freshwater bowl and a conditioned saltwater bowl. The precise details of these will vary with the particular species you keep.

Along with the water that the crabs will use for “grooming” themselves, these creatures must be provided with an assortment of appropriate shells. The shapes will vary, again according to species, but whatever the species you should provide at least three shells per crab in your tank. The shell sizes should be slightly smaller than, equal to, and slightly larger than the crab’s current shell. Please, please, please stay away from painted shells. The “non-toxic” paints are meant to be non-toxic to your children: they are generally not safe for your hermit crabs.

HOME ENVIRONMENT

Hermit crabs are primarily nocturnal. They enjoy exploring their home, re-arranging things, and seeing how many of them can sit on a perch before it falls over. You’ll hear them clacking away with their claws through the wee hours. If you do most of your sleeping at night, you probably don’t want to put the crab tanks in the bedroom.

Also, keep in mind that hermit crabs are invertebrates who are subject to the same kinds of poisons that are used to kill insects and spiders. If people in your neighborhood spray their lawns, or if someone in your house tends to go after spiders with a can of “bug-spray”, hermit crabs are not for you.

TRAINING

There is no training required for hermit crabs. While you will need to rescue them from time to time, especially during moults, and you’ll need to provide appropriate shells for them to choose from, they will act according to their natures.

WHERE TO NEXT?

Are these little guys right for you? They are adorable, no question, but they are very difficult for beginners to keep healthy and happy. In many ways, parrots and the licensed exotics are easier to maintain. Perhaps consider a dog instead? Or a pony?

If you have decided that hermit crabs are the right pet for your family, the next step is to do some reading. This care-sheet has only introduced you to the barest skim off the top of the information you need. Investigate the details of putting together a proper enclosure, and the details of shell replacement, and the details of temperature and humidity. Next, put together the main tank and a quarantine tank, and monitor the humidity and temperature for a week or two. Once that is stable, seek out several healthy crabs and a nice assortment of high-quality shells for them.

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